FAQ

WHAT IS THE BEST QUALITY BRAND OF WINDOW FILM?

Much of that depends on who you ask but there are generally 4-5 major name brand window film manufacturer’s that we would call top quality Global companies. These include 3M, LLumar, Madico, Solar Gard and SunTek. Keep in mind, many companies offer a series of upgrades like; “Good”, Better” and “Best” so it really boils down to what’s the best film to meet your objectives.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WINDOW FILM?

Window films have many benefits depending on your choice of film. “Safety & Security Films” can hold shattered glass in place to offer protection from burglary attempts. graffiti, wind-born debris, natural disasters and even bomb blasts. Tinted window films, also called “Solar Control Films”, can significantly reduce solar heat gain and temperature inside a building, reduce air conditioning costs, extend life of HVAC systems by reducing maintenance and strain on the system, decrease a building’s environmental emissions, increase occupant comfort, reduce glare to improve visibility inside, especially for computer and TV screens, provide daytime privacy, block up to 99% of UV radiation, offer significant fade protection for furniture, carpets, woodwork, and other interior furnishings while improve building aesthetics and accenting windows.

WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF WINDOW FILM TO LOWER MY ELECTRIC BILL?

You’ll want to select a highly reflective film to reject the most amount of solar heat. There are several lesser degrees of reflectivity and light transmissions available, however there’s a compromise in heat rejection as you reduce a film’s reflectivity. This is pretty much scientific fact but there are many attractive upgrade films that are semi-reflective and barely noticeable films but still provide impressive results.

WHAT IF MY HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION DOESN'T ALLOW WINDOW FILM?

No worries. We would be glad to meet with the members of your association to have a suitable selection of window film approved for your community. We have a large selection of neutral, very subtle, non-reflective solar control films that are very attractive and effective.

HOW LONG WILL WINDOW FILM LAST?

All our residential film installations are backed by a Lifetime Factory Warranty against bubbling, blistering, peeling, fading or changing color. Commercial installations are warranted for 10 years. Professional grade window film can last 15 to 25 years depending on exposure and climate.

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN WINDOW FILM?

You can use any mild detergent and water but avoid abrasives, brushes and steel wool. Never use a razor blade to remove stickers or decals.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSTALL WINDOW FILM ON MY HOUSE?

Only your Cool Coat Representative can give you an exact quote since there are many variables that make up the price such as overall square foot volume, window size, accessibility, excess caulking or silicone and the type of film being installed. For a general rule of thumb, home window tinting costs between $3.50 and $6,00 per square foot. Specialty films cost considerably more.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REMOVE WINDOW FILM?

That will depend on how long the film has been on the glass as well as the overall size of the project. Rule of thumb is between $2.00 and $3.00 per square foot. It can take 3-5 times as long to remove old window film as it takes to install it.

HOW CAN I REMOVE OLD WINDOW FILM MYSELF?

For a small job you’ll basically need some new single edge razor blades, a mixture of soap & water ( 1 tablespoon of dish detergent like Joy mixed in a quart spray bottle of water), paper towels and a lot of elbow grease. It’s a strenuous and time consuming process that’s best let to professionals like us as there are special tools, techniques and precautions to avoid being injured with razor blades. Proceed with caution or give us a call!

HOW CAN I SEE SAMPLES OF YOUR STAINED GLASS WINDOW FILM PATTERNS AND COLORS?

Easy. You can Google: solyx window films, go to “Images”. You can also go to www.decorativefilm.com If you have a small project and you’re pretty handy, you can order directly from Solyx. For large projects, just give us a call to discuss your need.

WILL WINDOW TINTING MAKE MY HOME DARK INSIDE?

This is a common misconception. The fact is, depending on the shade of film you select, you’ll probably have more light and a wider view since you can open your blinds or curtains without worry. As you look outdoors through your window film, the sky will seem beautifully blue, the grass and trees will look healthy and green, all because the excess glare was reduced.

DO YOU TINT BOAT WINDOWS?

Yes we do! Just call or email us and we will meet with you to review samples of window films that are best suited for your needs.

DO YOU TINT CAR WINDOWS?

We no long tint windows on vehicles but would be glad to refer you to a reputable tint shop that specializes in cars and trucks.

HOW MUCH WILL I SAVE ON MY ELECTRIC BILL?

This is a frequent question which has a lot of variables to answer accurately. You’ll need to take into consideration factors such as the type of film you select, the number of square feet of window film that you’re installing in relation to the size of the room(s). The exposure to the sun is very important too. Western exposures usually heat up a home the most, Southern exposures are worse at different times of the year. An eastern exposure will have direct sun all morning. As a general answer, the more direct rays you filter, the faster the film pays for itself which is 3-5 years in most cases. This will be reflected in your electric bill in reduced cooling costs as you’re not prompted to run your AC as frequently as you would have previously.

CAN YOU TINT LAMINATED OR IMPACT GLASS?

Impact glass is very temperamental by nature of it’s laminated construction. In most cases, impact glass should not be tinted due to the possibility of a heat stress fracture in the glass. It is best to consult with one of our specialists as this depends on size, thickness and the exact type of impact glass. In some cases an exterior film would be suggested to eliminate solar absorption more effectively.